Intermittent feed mechanism utilizing control markings on film



HITELEY D MECHANISM UTILIZING MARKINGS ON FILM Sept. 29, 1953 y INTERMITTENT FEE CONTROL 4 Sheets-Sheet l Filed Feb.

2,653,508 UTILIZING ILM Sept. 29, 1953 F. H. WHITELEY INTERMITTENT FEED MECHANISM CONTROL MARKINGS ON F 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Feb. 7, 1949 /44 Y s 0b Reef/Wer Sept. 29, 195s F. H. WHITELEY INTERMITTENT FEED MECHANISM UTILIZING CONTROL MARKINGS ON FILM. Filed Feb. 7, 1949 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 "Illllllllllllllllllllllllllll/lr111111111111111a TOR E Sept. 29, 1953 F. H. WHITELEY INTERMITTENT FEED MECHANISM UTILIZING CONTROL MARKINGS ON FILM AFiled Feb. Y. 1949 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 QNNW III .../H" l M. NNN QM INVENTOR.

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Patented Sept. 29, 1953 IN TERMITTENT FEED MECHANISM UTILIZ- ING CONTROL MARKINGS ON FILM Fred Howard Whiteley, Kansas City, Kans. Application February 7, 1949, Serial N o. 74,958

7 claims. i

This invention relates to the production and projection of motion pictures, the primary object being to provide a method and apparatus for creating a film strip adapted for use with an improved projector capable of intermittently moving successive frame images into a projecting position while simultaneously reducing flicker and other errors of projection that become particularly magnified upon employment of dual lens systems.

Reference is made to my co-pending application Serial No. 616,678, filed September 17, 1945, entitled Motion Picture Projecting System, now Patent No. 2,460,854., issued February wherein is disclosed a system and method for i motion picture projection having a particular shutter mechanism formed to eliminate flicker.

There was provided therein the conventional film-advancing structure utilizing Geneva gearing and, while the flickerless objects were obtained, such gearing arrangement is incapable of eliminating jumping or pulsating of the images on the screen and is unsatisfactory for attaining stereoscopic projection if desired.

As will hereinafter appear, one form of shutter mechanism forming the subject matter of my co-pending application is embodied within the present invention, but the most important object hereof is to provide structure usable in conjunction with such shutter system and capable of moving strip film for projection purposes with a high degree of accuracy and to such an extent that the human eye will be unable to detect any projection errors or discrepancies.

Another important object of the present invention is to provide a motion picture projecting system having structure for intermittently advancing the iilm and control means for such structure, all formed for high precision and accuracy and capable to so operate with such precision as to virtually remove the hazards of inaccuracies with respect to the formation of the component parts of the actuating mechanism, per se.

It is an important object of the present invention to rst provide a film strip having thereon uniformly-spaced, opaque patterns for the purpose of controlling the operation of the lm-advancing mechanism of the projector upon interception of a beam of light forming a part of the projector and directed toward a plurality of photo electric cells cperably coupled with the filmadvancing mechanism.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a camera capable of automatically forming the film strip with the indicating patterns thereon as the camera is placed in use to produce the series of frame images.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide in a projector, film-advancing mechanism including parte enfaefeabie with the lm, and a continuously-rotating drive shaft common to all 'films and all nie-ans engagea'ele therewith, together with a plurality of electrically-controlled clutches operable intermittently to interconnect the rotating drive shaft and the lmcontacting means, the clutches being coupled within an electric circuit and in controlled relationship to the above-mentioned photo electric cells.

Another object of this invention is to provide a projector having means utilizing certain of the photo electric cells for positively keeping the film strip guided through a predetermined, substantially rectilinear path of travel, as the same passes from a conventional storage reel to the take-up reel of the projector.

Another object of the present invention is to provide means for holding the film strip in a slightly taut condition across the lm holder or gate forming a part of the projector.

In the drawing:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary, front elevational view, showing diagramatically a portion of a motion picture projector made in accordance with my present invention and capable of utilizing the method of projecting motion pictures also forming a part of the invention.

Fig. 2 is a cross sectional View taken on line II-II of Fig. 1, looking in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 3 is an end elevational view of the structure illustrated in Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a cross sectional view taken on line IV-IV of Fig. 1, looking in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a lm holder or gate forming a part of the projector, showing the same entirely removed from said projector.

Fig. 6 is a perspective View of a prism usable with one lens of the dual lens system herein disclosed.

Fig. '7 is a fragmentary, side elevational view of a holder for photo electric cells and lens used therewith, parts being broken away to reveal details oi construction.

Fig. 8 is a transverse, cross sectional view taken on line VIII-V111 of Fig. 7.

Fig. 9 is an elevational view showing a fragmentary portion of the strip iilm as the same appears ready for projection.

Fig. is an edge view of the image-receiving screen to be used with the system.

Fig. 11 is a front elevational view of said screen.

Fig. 12 is an enlarged, detailed, fragmentary view of one of the film-contacting sprocket assemblies, together with the corresponding electroclutches therefor, parts being broken away and in section for clearness.

Fig. 13 is a schematic wiring diagram, showing the electrical circuit forming a part of the projector.

Fig. 14 is a vertical, cross sectional View through a conventional camera, illustrating the necessary modification thereof to adapt the same to produce a film strip of the type shown in detail in Fig. 9.

Fig. 15 is a cross sectional view taken on line XV-XV of Fig. 14.

Fig. 16 is a cross sectional view taken on line EVI-XVI of Fig. 15.

Fig. 17 is a cross sectional view taken on line XVI-XVI of Fig. 15; and,

Fig. 18 is an elevational view of a plate to be used with the camera illustrated in Figs. 14 and 15 for producing the film strip to be used with the system embodied by this invention.

llt is well known to those skilled in this art that ideal motion picture projection to eliminate dicker and/ or to provide for stereoscopic projection necessitates the use of two or more lens systems. When such dual systems are used, however, the errors of projection are highly magnified with a resulting jumping or pulsating of the images on the screen, the latter of which is even more distressing to the observer than the flicker ordinarily produced by conventional projectors.

No greater accuracy is necessary than that detectable by the human eye, but so far as I am aware, no system has heretofore been perfected that is capable of not only eliminating iiicker but capable of reducing image pulsations to the extent of making plural-lens projection systems practical.

Conventional film-advancing mechanisms used in present-day projectors are unable to correct for inaccuracies in recording of the film images by the camera; cannot correct for errors made during the process of printing; are unable to compensate for discrepancies due to film wear during use, particularly in the perforations thereof or in error with respect to the manufacture of the film itself and the production of the perforations thereof.

The usual movements, including Geneva gearing, cannot correct for expansion and contraction of the film due to temperature variations and are unable to reduce errors caused by shrinking and warping of the film as the same ages. Finally, the conventional film-actuating mechanisms, per se, irrespective of how precisely manufactured, produce inaccuracies in projection, resulting in unsatisfactory Orthographie projection and impractical stereoscopic projection.

The system about to be described has been produced to eliminate the disadvantages above set forth and to accomplish the aims and objects initially outlined herein. Additionally, as will hereinafter be made clear, when the system is placed in use, life of the nlm strip, per se, will be appreciably increased because of the way in which the extent of friction to which the film itself is exposed during the projection, is drastically reduced.

To this end, the projector hereof is capable of operation with a minimum of strain on the film due to friction at the film gate itself, thereby reducing film breakage, said film gate being particularly formed to eliminate contact with the emulsion face of the lrn. It will be seen that deterioration of the component parts of the actuating mechanism forming a part of the prolector about to be described will have no effect upon the accuracy of the system. Further, because of the reduction in the amount of precision required in the manufacturing of the filmadvancing mechanism, the over-all cost of production will be appreciably decreased.

in Figs. i and 2, there is shown a pair of identical film strips iii and i2 each formed as detailed in the enlarged view thereof in Fig. 9. These nlm strips i0 and l2 are of conventional character from the standpoint of having a row of perforations lli along each marginal edge respectively thereof and having a number of spaced image frames EE throughout its length. Obviously, the frames it are surrounded by opaque areas; but, in the iilm strips i9 and E2 to be used with the present system, such opaque areas are interrupted by a transparent, longitudinally extending band 58 along one marginal edge of the film strips. As shown in Fig. 9, this elongated band i3 is disposed between one row of perforations it and the frame images I6.

An opaque pattern alongside each frame it respectively interrupts the transparency of band i8, said pattern constituting a pair of opposed ears 20 extending inwardly from the longitudinal edges of the band i8. This pattern, also, includes an elongated portion 22 centrally disposed with respect to the marginal edges of band it and arranged in slightly spaced relationship to the opposed ears 2t. Structure for modifying a conventional camera to produce the band iii and opaque pattern 2li- 22 is illustrated in Figs. lll to 18, inclusive, and will hereinafter be fully ei;- plained.

The projector mechanism illustrated in Fig. 1 includes a pair of spaced-apart, vertical frame members Z4 having spaced-apart frame pieces 2t arranged midway therebetween. Each frame member 2d and each frame piece 2% is provided with an inwardly-extending, U-shaped bracket 28 secured directly to the innermost faces thereof Each film strip lil and i2 is provided with a pair of spaced-apart, drum-like drive ckets mounted between the bights of opposed brackets 28 in the manner detailed in Fig. l2.

Each sprocket 30 is provided with a tubular hub 32 that is journalled within the brackets Z8 and extends a distance therethrough. A shaft 345 is provided for each end respectively of the tubular sleeve 32, one end of shaft 35i being telescoped within hub 32 for free, relative movement thereto. The opposite end of each shaft 35i is journalled in frame members 2d or frame pieces 26, as the case may be.

The ends of all shafts 34 opposite to the corresponding hubs 32 that are journalled within the frame members 2li have a gear 36 affixed thereto. The proximal ends of the shafts 34 that pass through 'and are journalled in frame pieces 2E are interconnected by a common gear 38. Obviously, if desired, the two shafts 31% joined by gears 38 Icould be formed as a single unit.

A drive shaft lill journalled in suitable bearings formed in frame members 24 and frame pieces 26 is driven in any suitable manner as by an electric motor (not shown). A pair of gears 42 is mounted on the shaft 40 exteriorly of the frame members 24, and a train of gears, broadly designated by the numeral 44, connects each gear 42, respectively, with the gears 3S. The shaft 4i?, also, carries a gear 46 between the :frame pieces 2t that is joined with the two gears 38 by means of a train of gears broadly designated by the numeral 45. Thus, all of the shafts 34 are driven by the common drive shaft 4D.

There is provided a clutch broadly designated by the numeral 56 for each end respectively of each hub 32. These clutches 5I! are identical and include a hollow housing comprising a pair of opposed, cup-like sections 52 and a centrallyperforated ring 54 disposed between sections 52 and integrally joined therewith. The sections 52 and 54 of the housing 5t circumscribe the corresponding shaft 34, and the section 52 is provided with a collar 56 that surrounds hub 32 and. is secured theerto by means of a set screw or the like 58.

A core within the housing 50 is U-shaped in cross-section, as illustrated in Fig. 12, and is secured directly to the shaft 34 in any suitable manner (not shown) and is disposed in embracing relationship with a portion of the ring 54. Each core 6G has an electric coil 62 wound thereabout but spaced from the walls of the central perforation of ring 54. Housing 5G is filled with a liquid having megnetic particles suspended therein.

It is thus seen that, with coil `52 de-energized, rotation of shaft 34 also rotates core Eil and coil 62 while the sections 52 and 54 of housing 5), together with the corresponding sprocket drum 3S, remains stationary. Suitable conductors (not shown) pass from the coil 62 through shaft 34 for connection with slip rings vt4 in the conventional manner.

Fig. 4 of the drawings illustrates the way in which the nlm strips IQ and I2 are threaded under the two sprockets 3Q. Each `sprocket 30 has a pair of idler rollers 56 journalled for rotation in the brackets 23, as illustrated in Fig. 12, and disposed to hold the film strips IIJ and I 2 tightly `against the sprockets 30.

A nlm gate or holder 68 of the kind illustrated in Fig. 5 is disposed between each pair of sprockets 3G, respectively, thus providing a gate for each im strip. Gate 68 includes a rectangular-shaped plate 'Hi of initially transparent material having a coating I2 of any suitable substance to render the plate 'ID opaque with the exception of an `area I4 corresponding in size and shape to the image frames I6 of nlm strips iQ and I2 and a smaller area 'I5 of va size and disposition to clear the pattern Ztl-22 in transparent area I3 of iilm strips I0 and I2.

Plate '.Il extends through openings formed in a pair of spaced-apart supporting members 73, and a pair of pins B0 likewise extend through the members TB in underlying relationship to the plate l!) and tightly thereagainst to hold the elements l0, 1B and BU of gate 68 together as a unit. Each of the ends respectively of the pins lo is provided with a disc 82 formed from any metallic material capable of magnetic attaction for purposes hereinafter to be explained.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 4 of the drawings, the gate SS is disposed -between corresponding brackets 28 with the pins 8U slidably mounted therein and with the metallic discs 82 on that side of brackets 28 disposed outwardly from the respective film strip I0 or I2. A small bracket 34 on each bracket 28 respectively carries an elec- 6 tro-magnet 86 next adjacent each of the four metallic discs 82.

A light source 90 is provided for each lm strip i@ and I2 respectively disposed to direct a beam of light as indicated in Fig. 2 of the drawings through a condenser lens system e2. Such beam of light thereupon passes through the lareas 74 and 'i6 of gate 68, thence through an image frame i 6 and the transparent band i8 of the lm strip and, nnally, through lens 94 disposed on that side of the lm strips opposite to lens system S2 for projection upon a screen 98 (Figs. 10 and 11).

It will be noted that films I and I2 are threaded through the projector oppositely and for travel in opposite directions and, therefore, the two lenses 94 are reversed as indicated in Fig. 2. A shutter plate 98 common to the two lrn strips It! and I2 is interposed between the latter and lenses 94. Shutter plate SB takes the forni of a circular disc cut away as at I substantially therearound.

Shutter plate 53 is driven by a train of gears i532 operably interconnected with the centrallydisposed train of gears 48 that have connection with gear 42 on drive shaft 40. The operation of the shutter plate 98 need only be explained briefly herein, since the same forms no part of this invention and is the same as one of the modifications of my aforesaid vco-pending application.

A constant and complete illumination of the projection screen S5 is insured through the use of shutter plate 98; land it will be noted that, when shutter plate BS is in the position illustra-ted in Figs. 1 and 2, one of the lenses 94 is completely covered., while the other lens 94 is exposed to the beam of light emanating from the corresponding source Sli.

As shutter plate 9S rotates in the direction of the arrow indicated in Fig. l, substantially 90". the lower half only of the two images on the nlm strips if) and i2 will be projected upon screen As shutter plate 9S rotates another Se", the image on lm strip l2 only will be projected; and, finally, as shutter plate 9S rotates another 90D, the upper hahc of the two images will he projected.

Thus, a peeling of the projected image occurs, and screen 96 is constantly andL completely illuminated during the course of the complete projection of all images upon the nlm strips IQ and I2. Obviously, this operation of the shutter plate 98 is synchronized precisely with the intermittent .movement of nlm strips iii l2 through the advancing structure forming the suhj ect inatter hereof.

The projection screen 5t is provided with a pair of openings m4 adiacent one marginal edge thereof, each of which openings 2N is provided a hollow housing I Q6 that is in register' with such openings IM and provided with. a removable |68 closing that end thereof opposite to screen 96. The housings 96 and their cont .ined parte are identical, and only one need he explained through reference to Figs. 7 and 8.

Cap 03 has a transverse partition I provided with four openings H2 arranged as indicated in Fig. 8. A lens H4 is positioned behind each opening II2 respectively, and a photo electric cell IIB within cap E538 is disposed in alignment with each lens H4 respectively. A block I I8 carried by a pair of adjusting screws I20 extending into the cap I08 mounts not only the corresponding photo electric cell H6; but a plate |22 for each of the corresponding lenses H4.

It istobenctefi that openings |24 through plate 22 exposing lenses H4, which openings |24 are inregisterwith openings H2; of; partition It, are rectangular, whereas the openings H2. are, substantially square.y As shown in. Fig. 8, two of these rectangular openings |24 have their longitudinal axes horizontal, whereas another pair of openings |24 have their longitudinal axes vertical. They ends of openings |24 are in juxtaposition. with the corresponding sides of openings H2, while the longitudinal edges of openings |24 are spaced from the proximal edges of the corresponding opening iV 2..

The beams of light emanating from lamps 9i) and passing through the transparent bands |23 of nlm strips ii! and l2 enter the openings |04 of screen 96 and the housing |66 to illuminatev the partition it in the manner illustrated in Fig.v 8. To the end that each beam of light directed to a corresponding opening |54, there is provided a prism |26' (Fig. 6) mounted in an L-shaped bracket |23 that is, in turn, secured to one of the lenses 94, as shown in Fig. 2. This prism |26 serves to denect one of the beams of light so that both beams will not pass through the same opening |04.

ForV purposes of clarity, the illuminated area on partition HU (Fig. 8) is designated by the numeral |30. The elongated shaded area on partition il@ caused by theA opaque portion 22 of the transparent band i8 is designated by the numeral |32, and the opposed shaded portions on partition H6 that are caused by the ears 2S of the transparent band |53 are both designated by the-numeral |34.

To further aid in the explanation of the operation of the projection system hereof, the uppermost opening |24 is designated as |24a; the lowermost opening |2i as |2429; the opening |24 to the left in Fig. 8 as |240; and the openingy |24,v to the right in viewing Fig. S as |24d. In the same manner, in Fig. 13, the four photo electric cells |6 are designated as Illia, lieb, H60 and Hed, to correspond with openings izda, |2411. |240 and |24d respectively.

Incidentally, the wiring diagram of Fig. 13 shows only one'of the two circuits that is used for the advancing assembly for iilm strip I2. Also, since there are four clutch assemblies 5u for each of the two circuits, the assemblies for film strip i2 are identified in Figs. 1 and 13 as 59e, 5W. 595.7 and 55h respectively.

When the projector is placed in operation, the drive shaft 40 continuously rotates in the direction of the arrow in Fig. l. Also, the two circuits, one of which is shown in Fig. 13, are both closed by provision of a pair of spaced apart, springloaded switch plungers |36 that are biased against an electric bridging drum |38 mounted on shaft 4D. A relatively narrow band 42 of non-conducting material on each of the drums |38 momentarily breaks the two switching plungers |35 during each revolution of the drum 4G.

It is to be noted that these two non-conduct.- ing bands |49 are diametrically-opposed, to the end that one nlm strip is always stationary while the other advances. Obviously, if coils 62 of all four clutches .56 receive the same amount of current when the circuit therefor is energized, a balanced condition will exist; and the two sprockets 3|) for the lm strip I@ or 2, as the case may be, will remain in a standstill position.

It is seen, as indicated by the arrows in Fig. 1,

that the clutches 50e and 5W will rotate in one direction when connected with the: gear trains 48 and 44 respectively,v whereas the clutches 59g and 50h. will rotate in the opposite direction when operably joined with the respective gear trains 48v and 44, respectively. Consequently, if more currentA is directed to the coils 62 of clutches 543g and 50h', then to the clutches 52e and Ellf, the nlm strip |2 will move in the direction of the arrow at, the uppermost end of nlm strip I2, as show-n in Fig. 1.

Prior to eachV advancing step of the iilm1 the drum |38; of shaft 4t is in a position to maintain switches |36 in bridged relationship, the filmstrip being stationary and having an image frame dis.- Dosed on the gate 63 forprojection upon screen 96. When in this position, the pattern on the partition` ilil is as illustrated in Fig. 8.. As shaft 40- continues to rotate, driving all of the gear trains 44 and 43, as well as the shutter plate 98, the non-conducting band iti) will move to a positionbreaking momentarily the switches |36.

Itis to be noted in Fig. 13 that the two switches ist are inv series with the coils 62 of clutches ile and 5W, with a tube |42, with photoelectric cell l'ib and with a rectier |44 having connection' with a source of electrical energy (not shown). Tube |42 is a suitably chosen, gas-lled thyratron and has its grid connected with a secondary winding |43 of a transformer |48.

Once this series circuit is broken, current will not flow through photoelectric cell ||6b and the coils 62 of clutches 511e and 50j, irrespective of the rebridging of switch plungers |36 and the energization of photoelectriccell ||Bb by light, until tube |42 is again red to ionize the gas contained therein.

As shown in Fig. 8, the shaded area |32 is narrower than the lengths of openings |24 and permits exposure of photoelectric cells Hoa and H627 at both ends of openings |24a and |241) to the saine amount of light emanating from source 90. By the same token, the illuminated area |3B covers substantially half of the openings |24c and |24d and, consequently, the same amount of light is directed to photoelectric cell ||6c as to the photoelectric cell I I'Gd.

When the clutches 50e and 50j are rendered inoperable through de-energization of their respective coils 62, as just above described, the two clutches 50g and 50h still being in partial connecting relationship with their respective shafts 34 because of light passing to cell ||Ea :at the sides of area |32, willV commence immediately to rotate the two sprockets 30, thereby advancing the ilm strip l2 in the direction indi.- cated by the arrow in Fig. 1. Conversely, when the circuit corresponding to film strip ||l is broken momentarily by the interengagement of its nonconducting band |40 with switches |35, the film strip HJ will move in the opposite direction, as indicated in Fig. l.

As shaded area |32 commencesv to move upwardly, as indicated in Fig. 8, more of the open- |24b will be exposed to light; and, when opening |241) is completely so exposed, photoelectric cell H619 will receive the full amount of light that is permitted to pass by opening |24b. This, of course, will have no effect upon the operation because, as above set forth, current does not flow through photoelectric cell H617 until tube |42 is red.

However, when shaded area |32 moves to a position exposing fully the opening I 24o, the

photoelectric cell ||6a will become fully conducting, thereby supplying additional current to the coils 62 of clutches 50g and 50h. It; is to be noted in Fig. 13 that these last-mentioned clutches are in series with photoelectric cell ||6a that is, in turn, connected with rectifier |44.

As the opposed, shaded areas |34, shown in Fig. 8, continue to move upwardly, another pair of such areas |34 will move into full covering relationship to the openings 424e and |24d. It is to be remembered at this point that the transparent band |8 of each lm strip is provided with a series of the patterns -22, there being one such pattern for each image frame I6.

When the openings |240 and 24d become completely blocked against passage of light from source 90, the two photoelectric cells ||6c and ld will momentarily produce no current whatsoever. Fig. 13 shows the way in which photoelectric cells ||6c and Hdd are connected directly to sections and |52, respectively, of the primary winding of transformer |48.

Transformer |43 will thereupon become momentarily de-energized and, since tube |42 has its grid connected directly with the secondary |46 of transformer |48, tube |42 will fire because of a positive charge upon its grid, its contained gas will become ionized and the circuit therethrough, as well as through photoelectric cell ||6b and through the windings 62 of clutches 50e and 50], will be energized.

At the time of iiring of tube |42, and while the openings |24c and |24d are completely blocked from light passage, the next following shaded area |32 will have moved into position substantially covering the opening |241). Accordingly, photoelectric cell ||6b will not produce full current for operation of the clutches 50e and 5|lf, but the photoelectric cell |6a, still being fully exposed to light, will continue to cause full operation of clutches 50g and 50h and the lm strip I0 will continue to move.

As the succeeding shaded area |32 continues to move upwardly, as shown in Fig. 8, it will gradually move into substantially covering relatonship with the opening |24a to block full light exposure to the photoelectric cell ||6a; and, as the latter produces less current, the clutches 50g and 50h will gradually release their connection with the corresponding shafts 34. Finally, when the shaded areas |32 and |34 assume the position of Fig. 8, all parts will return to equilibrium and the lm strip |0 will become stationary.

It is to be noted in Fig. 13 that, if desired, an amplier |54 may be provided for each clutch 50, respectively, to produce sufficient current to operate the same. There is, also, shown in Fig. 13 a variable resistance |56 for each clutch 50, respectively.

It is obvious that if all four photoelectric cells ||6 produce the same amount of current, the action of the two clutches 50e and 5|!) or tendency to move the Iilm strip in one direction will be offset by the same tendency of the clutches 50e and 50f to move the strip in the opposite direction when the circuit of Fig. 13 is fully energized during the period of time when plunger switches |35 are bridged.

It is desirable, however, to maintain these fllm strips in a slightly stretched or taut condition across nlm holder 58. Through proper adjustment of the four resistances |56, such holding of the iilm strips in a taut condition can be accomplished. In other words, through a slight unl0 balance, the four clutches can be made to operate in tending to move the lm strip in opposite directions, but such tendency should not be so great as to cause damage to the lms.

The above-mentioned pair of electro-magnets $6 on each side of the iilm holder 8S is, also, shown in Fig. 13 and, for purposes of clarity, are designated as 86d and 86h. Electro-magnet 85a is coupled in series with photoeleotric cell Htc through one of the amplifiers |54 and section |55 of the primary winding of transformer i455. In the same manner, the electro-magnet Stb is coupled in series with section |52 of transformer 43, another of the ainpliiiers |54 and the photoelectric cell lied..

Since two photoelectric cells |6c and ||6d always normally balanced because of the fact that an equal amount of the openings |244: and ifl are exposed to light, and both of these openings are fully blocked when the opposed shaded areas |34 move in covering relationship thereto, the two electro-magnets a and 85h will, also, be in balanced relationship.

Accordingly, if for any reason the nlm strips do not move in a true rectilinear path through the respective nlm holders 58, they will be immediately guided back to position by the operation of electro-magnets 85a and 8th.

To explain this operation, suppose that film Hi has shifted to the right as viewed in Fig. l, moving gate 68 toward electro-magnet 85h and away from electro-magnet 86a. This will expose additional light to cell Sc and less to cell l ith. The additional current furnished magnet 56a and decrease of current to magnet 85h will cause the gate 68 to be pulled back to the left. Obviously, this action has no effect on tube |42 even when the latter is de-ionized because a iiux change in one direction between windings |52 and |46 of transformer |43 will be offset by an opposite flux change between windings |50 and |45.

By the saine token, shaded areas |35 are sufriciently large to assure firing of tube |42 when they move over openings |24c and |2d, though the nlm may be slightly out of alignment.

The manner of producing the controlling meens for the projector just described, upon the :film strips, may be accomplished in a simple manner by modifying conventional cameras, as indicated in Figs. 14 to 18 inclusive. In Figs. 14 and. 15, there is shown one type of conventional camera having a case broadly designated by the numeral 200, wherein is mounted in the usual manner a wind-off reel 292 and a take-up reel for a film 206.

A conventional lens system 265 forms a part of such camera and a shutter 2|!! is mounted for rotation within the case 260 between that wall thereof having lens 253 thereon and a partition 202 within case 20. An opening 2 i4 in partition 2 2 is an alignment with the lens 2&8.

For the purposes of this invention, there is provided a dat plate Zl, preferably made from an initially transparent material and having one face thereof coated with any substance to produce an opaque area 'M8 on plate 255. Plate 2id has a transparent area 2,20 corresponding in shape and size to the frames to be produced on nlm 265 and a second transparent area 222 takes the form of an elongated strip and is disposed between one marginal edge of plate Zi and the transparent area 220.

A pattern constitutes a pair oi of opposed, opaque ears 224 and an elongated, centrallydisposed, rectangular portion 228. As shown in 1l Fig. 18, this pattern y22e-2126 is ycilisp'osed along'- side the transparent area 226 and intermediate the ends of the transparent band 222. Plate 2I6 is mounted Vvwithin the camera 200 upon partition 2i2 between the i'llm 206 and the proximal wall of partition 212.

rIhe opening 2|i in the partition 2l2 is T- shaped and surciently large to expose both areas 226 and 222. Auxiliary light is introduced to the elongated, transparent area 222 of plate 2I through the medium of lens 228 communicating with the space between `partition 212 and the proximal wall of case 200. This lens 228, in turn, communicates with an elongated, tubular member 230 of rectangular cross section as shown; and the innermost end of this tubular member 235i is closed by a Vprism 232 formed to reect light entering lens 228 toward the transparent band 222.

The shutter 210 is modied by providing 'a peripheral lateral ange 234 that 'passes through opposed, offset openings I236 formed in the tubular member 230 each time vthe shutter 210 blocks the lens 268. Accordingly, each time the nlm strip 206 is advanced, 'the interior of the camera is blocked from light yentering both lenses 288 and 228. It is obvious that the finished lm will not only have the series of frame images thereon but will have a continuous, transparent band i8, as

indicated in Fig. '9 of the 'drawings that vis interrupted by the series of opaque patterns lZtl-22 thereon.

It is contemplated that to the end that uniformity may be accomplished in producing iilms for use with the projector hereof, plates 2HE be produced by first making a master and duplicating the same by the usual photographic processes.

It is obvious that the circuit for rcontrolling the movement of nlm strip i is virtually the same as that shown in Fig. 13. However, since the lm strip lli moves oppositely to lm strip I2, tube |42 must rbe in series with cell lita rather than cell llb. The conductors connecting the plates of cells I ita and I i Sb are therefore, Vsimply interchanges.

Also, because of the use of lopp'ositely operating lenses Se, the conductors for the plates of cells Htc and Hob are interchanged to attain proper operation of magnets 86a and Stb of film IU.

Manifestly, from the foregoing, there has been developed a system for not only producing a novel motion picture lm 'but a new method of causing the same to be projected vupon ascreen in 1a man ner to eliminate both dicker and, more particularly, pulsations or jumping of the image on the screen.

While the particular pattern that includes a continuous, transparent band and three opaque portions has been provided, it is apparent that the system could well be modified to accomplish the purposes herein by varying such pattern in a large number of ways. Broadly, the invention contemplates the use of photoelectric cells and suitable electro-magnetic means such as the clutching mechanism herein shown that may differ from that herein disclosed, together with means for intermittently changing the extent of light that is directed to such cells, all for the purpose'of controlling the film movement.

In this connection, it is obvious that the Vmeans provided for guiding the lm, i. e., vthe opposed ears of the lm pattern, could be eliminated if desired while retaining the means for controlling the advancing mechanism; and, of course, conversely, the ears alone could be `used if desired.

12 It iis false, 'within the scope of this invention to' reverse 'the procedure entirely by providing spaced-apart, transparent areas 'on the iilm in lieu of the space'deapa'rt, short, ,.rectangular, opaque Tareas designated by the numeral 22.

In the same manner, lthe .guiding of the :nlm could be accomplished yby providing a :number of opposed .pairs of 'transparent areas on the film instead 'of the opposed, opaque ears 2i) that 'have herein been provided.

it is manifest, therefore, that many changes might well be 'made in *detail-s 'of construction, and those that fairly come within the broad as pects of the invention., :as 'defined by the .appended claims, -are contemplated hereby.

Having thus described .my invention, what claimed vas -neW and vdesired to be ysecured by Letters Patent .-isf:

1. In a motion picture projector for use with a lm strip having frame images and :a ser-ies of alternate transparent andopaque areas throughout the length thereof, said projector including means for producing la beam of lig-ht; a plurality of electric circuits each having a photoeleotric cell disposed to receive said beam of l-ight; electrically operable structure for intermittently ad vanci'ng said lm strip with said opaque vareas thereof intercepting-said beam o/f'light, saidstructure including a `pair of devices rotatable .in opposite directions, each device having electric clutch means for interconnecting the same with the lm strip; and means coupling s'aid circuits with each clutch Ymeans respectively 'for controlling the operation of the devices as passage of light `to said cells varies response to 'lm istrip movement, said coupling means 'for one o'f said circuits including vstru'ctu'i're 'for 'alternately making and breaking the one circuit and normally open switching means, 'there 'being an opaque area vfor controlling 'said switching means. Y

2. For use Vwith a film strip having a series fo'f image frames and an elongated, transparent 'area provided With a row of equally spaced, identical, opaque patterns extending longitudinally of the nlm strip, aV motion picture rprojector Yfor successively bringing said frames into positive 'align ment with the film gate v.of vthe projector inthe direction of travel of the Vhlm strip, said projector including arctatable device engaging the 'lm strip for shifting the V l'at'ter `on 'its longitudinal axis across said gate; "a continuouslyrotating drive element; a pair of clutches, each having a section provided vwith means connecting the-saine to said element for continuous rotation thereby in opposite directions, and a Isection connected With said device; 'electrical means foreach clutch respectively Tfor iri'ctionally interconnecting the sections thereof; linea-'ns v"on fone sid-e of said v'film strip for directing Yrag/"s Y'of light 'through said 'area thereof; a photoelectric cell for each fof said electrical means respectively, feaf'ch lcell having ran electric circuit Vcoupling t-h'e same 'in -s'eries with its electrical means; fa normally open switch means in Vone of vsaid circuits; a third photoelece tric cell having means Acoupling the same 'with said switch means for closing the latter.; and switch means 'coupled with said `dri-ve felement for periodically 'opening said one circuit, saidcells being disposed on the opposite side 'of the f'lm in alignment with said row ci patterns nuthin 'the path of travel of said light rays, said patterns having configurations, determined -by the arrangement o'f said tcells relative to each-other 'for limiting Ythe film strip to s'tepibystep, intermite as said patterns successively interrupt said light r-ays.

3. In the invention as set forth in claim 2, wherein said normally open switch means comprises an electron tube, and wherein is provided means for normally maintaining said tube inoperative when said third cell is receiving rays of light.

4. For use with a film strip having a series of image frames and an opaque marginal edge provided with an elongated, transparent area having a row of equally spaced, identical, opaque patterns extending longitudinally of the nlm strip, a motion picture projector responsive to the coniiguration of said patterns for intermittently advancing said film strip along a rectilinear path of travel to successively bring said frames into positive alignment with the nlm gate of the projector in the direction of travel of the film strip, said projector including a pair of opposed, electrical elements adapted to shift said lm gate and the film therein in opposite directions transversely of said direction of travel of the film strip; a rotatable device engaging the film strip for advancing the latter across the gate; a continuously ron tating drive element; a pair of clutches, each having a section provided wi th means connecting the same to said drive element for continuous rotation thereby in opposite directions, and a section connected with said device; electrical means for each clutch respectively for frictionally interconnecting the sections thereof; means on one side of said film strip for directing rays of light through said area thereof; a first pair of photoelectric cells, one for each of said electrical means respectively, each cell having an electric circuit coupling the same in series with its electrical means; a second pair of photoelectric cells, one for each electrical element respectively and operably coupled therewith; a normally open switch means in one of said circuits; means coupling one of said second pair of cells with said switch means for closing the latter; and switch means coupled with said drive element for periodically opening said one circuit, said cells being disposed on the opposite side of the film in alignment with said row of patterns within the patin of travel of said light rays.

5. In the invention as set forth in claim 4, wherein said transparent area is elongated and extends longitudinally of the film strip to normally pass light rays in equal amounts to each of the second pairs of cells, whereby the electrical elements normally hold the gate substantially centered therebetween.

6. In a motion picture projector, film advancand means for periodically releasing ing mechanism including a film-engaging, rotatable device; a rotatable drive element; a pair of clutches each having a pair of sections, one section of each clutch being connected with said device; means for the other section of each clutch respectively connecting the same with said drive element for rotating said other sections in opposite directions, each clutch having structure frictionally interconnecting the sections thereof; and means for periodically releasing said structure for one of the clutches, whereby the lm is advanced by the drive element through the other clutch.

7. In a motion picture projector having a picture gate, film advancing mechanism adapted to maintain the lm taut in its direction of travel across said gate, said mechanism including a pair of spaced, rotatable devices engaging the film on opposite sides of the gate; a rotatable drive element; a clutch for each device respectively, each clutch having a pair of sections, one section of each clutch being connected with its device; means for the other section of each clutch respectively connecting the same with said drive element for rotating said other sections in opposite directions, each clutch having structure frictionally interconnecting the sections thereof;

said structure for one of the clutches, whereby the lm is advanced by the drive element through the other clutch.

FRED HOWARD WHITELEY.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 773,981 Power Nov. 1, 1904 1,057,234 Green Mar. 25, 1913 1,491,017 Malm Apr. 22, 1924 1,660,711 Jenkins Feb. 28, 1928 1,696,968 Outrey Jan. 1, 1929 1,713,663 Kosken May 21, 1929 1,847,988 Semel Mar. 1, 1932 1,855,775 Shapiro Apr. 26, 1932 1,921,494 Wildhaber Aug. 8, 1933 2,011,932 Ives Aug. 20, 1935 2,086,554 Hoorn July 13, 1937 2,341,098 Hansen Feb. 8, 1944 2,517,246 Seitz et al. Aug. 1, 1950 2,563,892 Waller et al Aug. 14, 1951 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 700,811 France Jan. 2, 1931 858,233 France May 6, 1940 

